I worked for 20 years and have a high salary. I am missing an award. Can I still qualify for EB-1A?

The EB-1A is a visa aimed at individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their fields of expertise. This category requires the submission of strong evidence that proves the candidate’s excellence compared to their peers, and this evidence can come from various sources such as international awards, publications, participation as a judge in others’ work, among others.

If you have worked for 20 years and have a high salary, these elements can help demonstrate professional impact and recognition. However, the EB-1A evaluates a set of criteria. Although obtaining a prestigious award can be one of the indicators, it is not the only way to prove extraordinary ability. The analysis conducted by immigration authorities considers cumulative factors: if you have other types of evidence, such as publications, participation in relevant events, or significant contributions to your field, it is possible to compensate for the absence of a specific award.

It is worth remembering that each case is analyzed individually and that the combination of presented elements forms the narrative about your professional trajectory. Therefore, even without a prominent award, if you can gather other strong indications of excellence – demonstrating, for example, leadership, impact, or continuous recognition – there is a chance to meet the EB-1A criteria.

It is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws and seek guidance from professionals or companies specialized in this area. This way, you avoid falling into scams and marketing campaigns that promise guaranteed results. Each process has its particularities and only a detailed analysis of your history can indicate the best strategy for your application.

Also remember that no evaluation here guarantees success or approval of the request. It is ideal that you consult specialists to build a complete and well-founded dossier, aligned with the requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.